Jennifer Hudson in ‘The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete.’ In Theaters October 11, 2013.

Cast of ‘Black Nativity.’ In theaters November, 27, 2013.

Taye Diggs and Paula Patton in ‘Baggage Claim.’ In theaters September 27, 2013.

Chiwetel Ejiofor and Benedict Cumberbatch in ’12 Years a Slave.’ In theaters October 17, 2013.

Idris Elba in Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom. In theaters January 3, 2014.

The cast of ‘The Best Man Holiday.’ In theaters nationwide November 15.

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Lee Daniels’ The Butler hit theaters today nationwide. The release of this historical drama starring Oprah Winfrey, Forest Whitaker and many more A-list stars, marks the official start of the fall film season.

According to the New York Times, 2013 is “a breakout year for black films,” with several prominent movies being released by and about African-Americans. Among those films, Fruitvale Station, 12 Years a Slave, and Lee Daniels’ The Butler, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, and Blue Caprice, stand out as possible award contenders.